Which of the following countries are members of the European Union ? 1. Belarus 2. Poland 3. Germany 4. Switzerland Select the answer using the code given below :
- (a) 1, 2 and 4
- (b) 1 and 4 only
- (c) 2 and 3 ✓ UPSC's answer
- (d) 2 and 4 only
Why the answer is (c)
• The European Union currently has 27 member states after the United Kingdom's exit in 2020.
• Poland joined in the 2004 enlargement and Germany is a founding member (as West Germany, 1957), so both are EU members.
• Belarus is not a member; it is closely aligned with Russia and is under EU sanctions.
• Switzerland is not a member either; it rejected membership and deals with the EU through bilateral treaties, though it is in the Schengen area.
• Hence 2 and 3, option (c).
Why the other options are wrong
- (a) 1, 2 and 4
- Belarus and Switzerland are not EU members.
- (b) 1 and 4 only
- Neither Belarus nor Switzerland is an EU member.
- (d) 2 and 4 only
- Switzerland is not an EU member; Germany is.
Asked in the GS Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2026, held on 24 May 2026. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.